Statement from the Minister of the Environment on Waste Diversion and Eco Fees

Statement

Statement from the Minister of the Environment on Waste Diversion and Eco Fees

On May 1st, a number of recycling fees for consumer products are being changed by electronics producers.

While the electronics industry has decided to raise some fees, others will be going down.

Once more, we see some producers of goods sold in Ontario saying that they won't pay for recycling.

Let me be clear: I disagree. There is no reason for recycling fees to be charged to consumers. Manufacturers should be paying the cost of recycling - as many are doing.

Recycling a product at the end of its useful life is part of the cost of doing business, just like paying employees' wages, gassing up the delivery truck, or writing the rent cheque. You don't see a "rent surcharge" on your sales slip, and you shouldn't see an "eco fee" either.

I am deeply disappointed that the use of eco fees by some producers continues.

I will be introducing new waste diversion legislation in the Spring Session. The bill, if passed, would increase waste diversion, and it would protect consumers.